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According to the probable cause affidavit, Downs' girlfriend said she woke up to the sound of her 8-month-old pit bull named Tyson crying. She said Downs dragged Tyson out of his cage, picked him up and threw him against the wall twice.

She said Tyson bit Downs, which prompted him to slam the dog on the ground.

Downs told deputies that his girlfriend asked him to clean up the mess that Tyson made in his cage, so he picked up Tyson to take him outside, but the dog bit him on the hand. Downs said he let Tyson go, causing him to fall on the floor.

However, deputies said Downs' story wasn't consistent with the dog's injuries.